Mark Allen Thornhill

Mark Allen Thornhill, who was loved by his family and a host of dear friends, passed away peacefully at his home on December 6, 2025, after less than two days in hospice. He leaves behind his loving wife of six years, Janice Galban Thornhill, her parents Nestor and Maria Manondo, her two brothers, Jose Mari and Normandy Manondo and their families. Mark is survived by his son Trey Allen Thornhill and granddaughter, Harlow Noel Thornhill, his mother Marky Thornhill, sister Teddi Thornhill, all of Fort Worth, TX. Mark’s younger brother, John G. Thornhill and wife Christi of Weatherford, TX, niece, Carissa Thornhill Ellsworth and husband, Marcus and great-nephews, Mason and Alex who all currently reside in JBER, Alaska. John’s younger daughter, Shannon Thornhill is serving in the US Navy and resides in San Diego, California.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Ted O. Thornhill, who served for 23 years in the U.S. Army with assignments and family in tow to Bayreuth, Germany (57-60), Fort Knox, KY (60-63), Mannheim, Germany (63-66), Fort Knox, KY (66-67) where John was born; Viet Nam (67-68) while the family resided at White Sands Missile Range, NM, Fort Monroe, VA (68-70), back to Viet Nam and White Sands Missile Range, NM (70-71), until finally settling in Fort Worth, TX (71). Thus, the life of an Army Brat. This may have been one reason Mark never met a stranger and could carry on a conversation with anyone.

Because of all the moves between states, Mark attended three high schools and graduated from Kecoughtan High School in June 1969 in Hampton, VA. Mark also graduated from St. Leo College, Hampton, VA, with a bachelor’s degree in criminology.

Mark became a Police Officer for the City of Hampton in 1973. There were plenty of stories regarding his admiration for Chief Minetti, whom Mark stayed in touch with until 2018 and the Chief’s passing. Mark worked in the law enforcement field long before bullet proof vests were issued to each officer in most police departments. Early in his career, Mark responded to a disturbance call where upon he was shot point blank in the chest. Something had told Mark to put on the vest he had just purchased, which saved his life that evening. In 1980, Mark left the Hampton Police Department and made a permanent move to Fort Worth.

Mark was hired by the Fort Worth Police Department where he served in the Traffic Division, Motors Division, Fugitive Division, and the US Marshall Task Force until his retirement in 2010. Mark served those years mostly with his FWPD partner and close friend, Officer Ronnie Lee.

Because of Mark’s stellar reputation in law enforcement, his last assignment was with the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Office. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there until he suffered a heart attack in 2017 while at work. Unfortunately, Mark’s health began to decline until he could no longer continue with his regime of running, playing racquetball, or golfing. Mark had played competitive racquetball for the Police Olympics in both singles and doubles for numerous years with his partner, Presley Darnell with son, Trey in tow. Trey witnessed his dad’s court competitions one day and was watching him play golf against US Border Patrol Agents, Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers, other city police officers, just to name a few, the following day. Mark was so proud of his son and just beamed when pinning Trey’s Fort Worth PD badge on him for the first time on April 25, 2020.

The family would like to acknowledge Mark’s wife, Janice, who took such loving care of him both while being hospitalized numerous times during his last few months on earth as he was bedridden. Mark knew Janice was a keeper and we certainly, appreciated all she did for him.

Mark leaves behind his four-legged companion, Harley D. Thornhill III, one very spoiled Miniature Schnauzer. He also had numerous lifelong friends from as far back as the 1970’s. What a void Mark has left in our lives.

Mark's Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM, taking place at Shannon Funeral Chapel located at 6001 Rufe Snow Drive, North Richland Hills, Texas. Family and friends are invited to share their memories, stories, and laughter as we honor his remarkable life.